Diocese addresses parish activities
Following the announcements on shutting down Masses and closing all schools in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop David Zubik issued further directives Tuesday regarding sacraments and other parish activities in the face of novel coronavirus 2019.
A news release from the diocese offered these guidelines regarding sacraments:
Baptismal celebrations in a church are permitted, but only small, private family baptisms should be held. Additionally, the diocese is restricting the baptism of multiple children from different families, citing state and local government-imposed restrictions on the number of people recommended at gatherings as the reason for the limit.
Instructors of classes for those converting to Catholicism will communicate with their class members regarding further details.
Upcoming ceremonies celebrating the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation are being postponed and rescheduled for another date. All dates scheduled after April 1 will be determined in the future.
The “This Light is On for You” program scheduled for April 1 has been canceled. Parishes will offer regularly scheduled times for confession, but health guidelines regarding social distancing will be followed.
Communal celebrations of Anointing of the Sick are suspended until further notice. Priests will offer the sacrament on an individual basis following health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19.
Until further notice, weddings and funerals will be held, but the diocese asks that attendance be limited to immediate family.
All parish events and activities are canceled until further notice.
While churches will remain open for private prayer, including adoration, there will be no scheduled services.
Zubik said the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has created anxiety among the faithful.
“We will be working to reassure people and help them with ways to live and strengthen their faith during this unprecedented time,” Zubik said.
